By: Sarah Cronk

Brice Thomas has his eyes on the prize. The Triple Crown Championship prize, that is. Fresh off two first place wins at CHEERSPORT and NCA All-Star Nationals, Brice and the rest of Brandon All Stars Senior Black are more than ready to take on the 2016 UCA International All Star Championship next weekend. 

Varsity.tv has been keeping an eye on Brice for a while. He’s no stranger to first place. As a member of both Brandon All Stars and the competitive team at Bartow High School in Florida (who took home the top spot at the 2016 UCA High School Cheerleading Championship), Brice is clearly comfortable on the competition floor. 

Here’s what Brice had to say about Brandon All Stars, the Triple Crown, and how he balances life on two different competitive teams. 

Name: Brice Thomas
Age: 19
Signature Skills: Toss Cupie, one to whip double, Arabian through kick double. 
Team: Brandon Senior Black 
2016 Routine Highlights: Tuck hand double hand whip double, whip Arabian to kick double.

Brandon All Stars Senior Black is a contender for this year’s Triple Crown Championship. How does that impact your attitude heading in to the UCA International All Star Championship? 
Coming into UCA with two wins under our belt is a big attitude boost. We were ecstatic going into Cheersport and that confidence kept rising during NCA. Preparing for UCA has forced us to hone all of that energy, and to stay strong and consistent. I think our biggest challenge will be to keep this momentum going on the mat, and to make sure everyone on our team gives it their all on competition day. I don’t have any doubt that we will be able to do that and bring home the Triple Crown Championship again!



What’s your favorite part of cheering for Brandon Black? 
It’s always so incredible to look back on my eight years with Brandon. Being surrounded by some of the finest coaches in the sport has helped me build my skills and help me achieve my goals. Some of my favorite memories have been shared with my teammates: stepping out onto the mat with 19 other athletes and feeling the satisfaction of a hit at the end of the routine never gets old

We know this is your second UCA championship this year, as you also competed at the 2016 National High School Cheerleading Championship. How do you balance all the demands of cheering on two different competitive teams? 
Honestly, its second nature for my entire day to revolve around cheer. It isn’t about how much time I have in my day; it’s about my priorities. Not only am I competing for Bartow High School and Brandon Senior Black, but I also coach two All-Star teams for Central Florida Athletics. When I finish a long day of practices and my life outside of cheer, I know that I’m doing exactly what I want to do!



What’s next for you and Brandon Black? 
Our goal is to keep pushing ourselves in practice, and to finish with a perfect season!

What advice do you have for other cheerleaders who want to achieve this level of success? 
Cheerleading is about dedication and perseverance.  Even when you want to give up, you have to keep pushing yourself to be better. At the end of the day, don’t get frustrated at the sport. If you want it, you’ll get it!